RATING★ 6.6/10
VERDICT HIT
The Birth of a Nation (2016) movie backdrop
The Birth of a Nation (2016) movie poster

The Birth of a Nation Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.6/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
2016120 minDrama
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

The Birth of a Nation

The Birth of a Nation Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Birth of a Nation is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama genre.

Is The Birth of a Nation Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Birth of a Nation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 120 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.6/10 559 votes
120Minutes
2016Release Year
Visual Story
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The Birth of a Nation Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, The Birth of a Nation emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Nat Turner, a former slave in America, leads a liberation movement in 1831 to free African-Americans in Virginia that results in a violent retaliation from whites. Unlike standard genre fare, The Birth of a Nation attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Birth of a Nation features a noteworthy lineup led by Nate Parker . Supported by the likes of Armie Hammer and Aja Naomi King , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Birth of a Nation (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

The Birth of a Nation Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Birth of a Nation is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Nat Turner, a former slave in America, leads a liberation movement in 1831 to free African-Americans in Virginia that results in a violent retaliation from whites. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.

The Birth of a Nation Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Birth of a Nation concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Birth of a Nation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Birth of a Nation?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

The Birth of a Nation Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $8.5M
Worldwide Gross $15.9M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

The Birth of a Nation Budget

The estimated production budget for The Birth of a Nation is $8.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Full Cast & Crew of The Birth of a Nation

  • Nate Parker – Nat Turner
  • Armie Hammer – Samuel Turner
  • Aja Naomi King – Cherry
  • Jackie Earle Haley – Raymond Cobb
  • Penelope Ann Miller – Elizabeth Turner

Top Highlights

Nate Parker
Nate ParkerNat Turner
Armie Hammer
Armie HammerSamuel Turner
Aja Naomi King
Aja Naomi KingCherry
Jackie Earle Haley
Jackie Earle HaleyRaymond Cobb
Penelope Ann Miller
Penelope Ann MillerElizabeth Turner
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle UnionEsther
Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone JuniorReverend Zalthall
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Aunjanue Ellis-TaylorNancy Turner
Dwight Henry
Dwight HenryIsaac Turner
Esther Scott
Esther ScottBridget Turner

Where to Watch The Birth of a Nation Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
The Birth of a Nation is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Birth of a Nation stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Birth of a Nation movie hit or flop?

The Birth of a Nation has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Birth of a Nation worth watching?

The Birth of a Nation is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Birth of a Nation online?

The Birth of a Nation may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Birth of a Nation

How The Birth of a Nation Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Birth of a Nation

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movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
The Birth of a Nation
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-birth-of-a-nation-339408" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Birth of a Nation</div></div></a>

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